2008 Saab 9-7X Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 54 9-7X reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
Though reviewers praise Saab's historical emphasis on safety features, they feel the 2008 Saab 9-7X falls short in several crucial safety categories. In frontal crash tests by the federal government, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 9-7X three out of five stars for driver safety and four out of five stars for front passenger safety. The Saab 9-7X, however, receives a top score of five stars in side impact crash-tests.
Accident Avoidance
Overall, reviewers liked the 9-7X's accident avoidance systems. They note the standard stability control system, which monitors driver input, weighs it against what the vehicle is actually doing and corrects the vehicle's path. Also, antilock brakes are included.
Crash Protection
Referring to the Saab 9-7X's government NHTSA crash ratings, Cars.com writes that they "trail those that NHTSA awarded to many 9-7X competitors" and "leave something to be desired." And U.S. News' Rick Newman writes that the front safety rating indicates that the 9-7X "falls short in some areas where luxury vehicles should do better."
Standard safety equipment includes dual-stage frontal air bags with a Passenger Sensing System, a rollover sensing system with side-curtain air bags, and front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters. OnStar is also included, and can notify emergency personnel when the 9-7X's air bags deploy. However, the 9-7X does not come equipped with side air bags, which are "two fairly critical pieces of equipment," according to The Detroit News. The 9-7X also lacks an integrated child seat and anti-whiplash head restraints, both standard on the Volvo XC90.
